1. Introduction
Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is in Samayapuram near Tiruchirappalli. It is located 15 km from Tiruchirappalli on the National Highway (NH-45) which is now a 4 Lane Road from Chennai to Tiruchirappalli.
The main deity, Samayapurathal or Mariamman is made of sand and clay like many of the traditional Mariamman deities, and hence unlike many other Hindu deities there are no abhishekams (sacred washing) conducted to the main deity, but instead the "abishekam" is done to the small stone statue in front of it.
It is believed by the devotees that the Goddess has enormous powers over curing illnesses and hence, it is a ritual to buy small metallic replicas, made with silver or steel, of various body parts that need to be cured, and these are deposited in the donation box. Depend on the metal the price is told by vendor women.
Devotees also offer mavilakku, (Tamil - மாவிளக்கு) a sweet dish made of jaggery, rice flour and ghee. Offerings of raw salt is also made to the Goddess by the rural devotees.
The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, the holy days for Mariamman. Samayapuram is the second most wealthy (in terms of cash flows) temple in Tamil Nadu after Palani.
2 History
History of the temple is unclear. In the early 18th century, King Vijayaraya Chakkaravarthi built the present day form of the temple. There is scant history of the period before that though it is believed that the locals worship the Goddess for many centuries before building the current temple.
One legend says that the present deity was at the RANGANATHASWAMY TEMPLE AT SRIRANGAM, and one of chief priests of the temple believed that the idol caused him illness and hence asked it to be removed from the temple. It is a common belief in that part of the region that such local Gods have immense powers and they must always be satisfied by proper offerings and sacrifices. The idol was moved outside Srirangam, and later found by some of the passerby who built a temple named, the Kannanur Mariamman temple.
During that period (around the 17th century CE), Trichi was ruled by the Vijayanagar kings and the area was used as an army base. It is believed that they made a commitment to build the temple if they win the war and after attaining success they built a shrine for the Goddess.
Originally the temple was under the management of the THIRUVANAIKAVAL TEMPLE, a popular one in the region. Later, the control was split and currently Samayapuram is under an independent trust monitored by the Government of Tamil Nadu, which also monitors the annadanam distribution (an act of offering food to the devotees).
3 Festivals
Thai Poosam, usually occurring in the Tamil month of Thai.
Like most Tamil temples the main festival is during the start of the summer, generally in April. During this time, the temple chariot processions and teppams (lake processions) happen.
All the Fridays in the Tamil months of Aadi (July 15 - Aug17) and Thai (Jan 15 - Feb 15) are celebrated in a grand manner.
Here, at Samayapuram, the Chithirai Chariot Festival is celebrated for a period of 13 days. The Festival Starts on the 1st Tuesday of the month "Chithirai". The Chariot Festival will be on the 10th day of the Festival. The Chariot (Car) with Goddess Samayapuram Mariamman will be pulled by devotees around the Temple. It is a Maha Festival --- Grand Festival, which attracts Lakhs of Devotees.
During the Chariot Festival, no vehicle is allowed to go inside SamayaPuram Town and all the vehicles are stopped one Kilometer away from the Town and everybody have to go to the temple by walk.
The Crowd is so much, though the Government made so many arrangements, still it is un-manageable. Luckily for Devotees, nowadays, they are following the traffic rule of left side walking in the road. This helps a lot for the smooth movement, which avoids any complications associated with big crowds. Still you will find that so many children missing, which is being announced during the festival time in the loud speakers.
During the Chariot Festival time, the Local Government arranges a '''Special Bus Stand''', which is one Kilometer away from the SamayaPuram Town. All the Buses and any other 2 / 3 / 4 wheelers are stopped there only. The vehicles which are going beyond Samayapuram in NH-45 will only be allowed with a little bit delay.
The 4 laning of the National Highway 45 has helped to ease traffic congestion to a considerable extent. Onward traffic can take the flyover, while those going to Samayapuram for Darshan can take the Service Lane which leads to the Temple.
For festival days, during the Chithirai Chariot Festivals, there are 24 hours bus services to nearby places like, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Thuraiyur, Thanjavur and other nearby Small Towns. Further, there are continuous Town Bus Services provided which mainly connect to Tollgate (Salem-Trichy main road junction), Chatram Bus Stand and Central Bus Stand.
During the Festival days we can see that, the Tamil Nadu Police, NCC, Scout (School and College Students) Controlling the Crowd every where including the Temple premises.
4 Significance of the temple
Samayapuram is a significant symbol of the native culture in rural Tamil Nadu and there a number of unique practices concerning the Mariamman temples. Samayapuram has been used a model to describe rural folklore in a number of research works on sociology and religion.
During festivals, it is not unusual to find people doing extreme things to make their bodies suffer as an act of sacrifice including, walking over a red-hot bed of charcoal and holding hot mud-vessel in bare hands.
Mariamman temples also typically involve Samiyattam wherein one of the deveotees (usually a female), gets hyper-excited during prayer and starts talking in an hysteric way interpreted by the devotees as an act of communication by God.
5 Heritage of Samayapuram outside India
The legacy of Samayapuram is well spread beyond Tamil Nadu and even after centuries of emigrating from India, many people in Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa and Fiji still maintain their loyalties to the temple and try to create similar temples and environment in their new country, raising both a cause of concern and an appreciation of diversity.
There is also a Samayapuram Mariamman Temple in Tanjong Rambutan at Malaysia. There is also a shrine for Goddess Sri Samayapuram Mariamman at the Sri Veeramuthu Muneeswarar Temple which is located at Yishun Industrial Park, Singapore.
During the month of Aadi,the annual Kozh Valarpu festival is conducted with much granduer by the Sri Samayapuram Mariamman Pillaigal at Jurong West, Singapore.
6. Specialty with deity
Mother of all Mothers --- The Goddess Shiva Sakti ---Samayapurathal is so Powerful to fulfill the Prarthanas of Devotees. In very few temples, you can see the presiding deity from the entrance of the temple. Yes, Samayapurathu Mariyamman is visible from the Main Entrance of the Temple and it will look like that the mother is waiting for your arrival. rulmigu Mariamman Temple, Samyapuram
The State of Tamil Nadu has several divine abodes of Goddess Shakthi. Shakthi cults prevalent in different ages are manifested in the temples. One of such divine abodes is Arulmighu Mariamman, Samayapuram in Trichy District. This Temple is known to occupy a prominent position among the temples dedicated to Goddess Shakthi. This temple is situated in beautiful land scape enriched by the Holy River Cauvery. The Temple is Situated in the Chennai - Trichy National Highway 15 K.M. from Trichy.
The Goddess Mariamman is very powerful, devotees. wishes are fulfilled by the Goddess. Persons affected by Chickenpox come to this place, stay here and pray the Goddess for speedy recovery. Abisheka Theertham (Divine Water) is sprinkled on them after Pooja and they get recovered very quickly. There is a separate rest hall for their stay in the temple.
7 Fast by the Goddess
Miracle Based : Mother Mariamman undergoes a fast for the welfare of mankind for 28 days from the last Sunday of Masi month-February-March. During these days no cooked preparation is offered as nivedhana but only some flour, orange, grapes and green coconut. For completing this fasting, abishek is offered to Amman only with flowers – Poo in Tamil and this event is known as Poo Choridal.
In ancient time This region was ruled by Chola Kings. Samayapuram is also known by the names Kannanur, Kannanpuram, Vikramapuram and Mahalipuram in ancient times. Flower sprinkling (Poochoridal) festival is conducted during the month of March and Chithirai Car festival is conducted during the month of April. Devotees offer prayer by rolling themselves around the temple prakaram (corridor) known as Angapradatchinam.
In recent times, the temple has gained a vast popularity. Devotees throng here from various parts of the country. The saying goes, "Samayapurthal will protect her devotees in times of need" (Samayapuram Mariamman Samayathil Kaappal - in Tamil). It is the faith of the people that Mariamman will protect them though they are far away from her in other places of the world.
8. Revenue
This is one of the largest temples of the state earning high revenues for the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment with huge inflow of devotees.
Thali the Mangal Sutra offered by women are the majority of the offerings in the Hundi of the temple. Diseases are cured without surgery in many cases. Many devotees visit this temple from Karnataka, as Mariamman resembles the Chamundeeswari of Mysore.
There is also a story that Emperor Dasaratha visited Samayapuram to worship Mariamman.
9 worship
1 Shaad Kaalam 06.00 A.M
2 Kaala Santhi 08:00 A.M
3 Uchi Kaalam 12:00 A.M
4 Saaya Ratchai 06.00 P.M
5 Saaya Ratchai IInd 08.00 P.M
6 Jaamam 09.00 P.M
7 Thanga Thear 07.00 P.M
10 Arulmigu Mariamman Temple - Festivals
10a Thai Poosam Festival - Thai Month
Thai Poosam Festival is being celebrated in grand full manner for 11days. The deity is being taken in procession daily both in morning and evening in different Vahanams. The deity is being taken in procession on Silvar Horse Vahanam, on eighth day night and in Theppam (Floating Festival) on Ninth day night. On 10 th day ie., on Thai Poosam the deity in taken in procession from Samayapuram to North Cauvery (coleroon-kollidam) near Srirangam in glass palanquine for Theerthavari (taking bath) where goddess Mariamman is being honoured by Lord Sriranganathar by Presenting Seer Varisai (Gifts) to his sister Mariamman. On the 11 th day, the deity returns from coleroom to Samayapuram and the festival ends.
10b Poochoriyal (Flower Sprinkling Festival) : - Masi Month
The Poochoriyal Festival takes place on the last Sunday of month Masi. During Poochoriyal lot of beautiful flowers of various kinds are being Sprinkled on the Moolavar deity. More than a lakh of devotees visit to this temple for sprinkling flowers and to have Holy dharsan of the Goddess. The festival is spread over to 4 weeks ie., four Sundays during the moth of masi and pankuni and sprinkling of flowers are being offered every Sunday.
The special feature of this festival is that the Goddess herself adopts fast for 28 days for the welfare of her devotees. During these 28 days cooked food will not be offered as nivediyam, to the deity. Only simple rice flour, tender Coconut, Sugar Candy, Jaggery water, Butter Milk, alone are being offered as Nivediyam and Prasadam.
10c Chitrai Festival : Panguni - Chithirai Months
This Maha Festival is being celebrated for 13 days. On the first Tuesday in the Month of Chitrai, ie., on 10 th day of festival, Goddess Mariamman is being taken in a decorated wooden car and pulled around the temple. This is called as chitrai ther festival. On Friday. ie., on 13 th day of festival the Goddess is being seated in a decorated float (Theppam) and pulled around the central Mandapam of Theppakulam. This is called floating Festival. During these festivals devotees gather in large numbers offering their Prarthanas such as taking Agni Chatti, Milk Pot and Kavadi and Tonsuring their heads etc.,
10d Panchaprakaram : Chitrai - Vaikasi Months
This festival spread over for 15 days. On the first day of the month vaikasi. (ie.,) on the first day of month vaikasi (ie.,) on 10 th day of Festival special Maha Abishekam will take place.
10e Navarathiri Festival - Purattasi Month
This festival starts from New Moon of the Month Purattasi ie., from Mahalaya Ammavasai and spread over for 9 days. The deity will be seated in Navarathiri Mandapam for Golu.
Arulmigu Mariamman Temple - Transport
11 Transport Facilities :
Samayapuram is 15 kms from Trichy.The temple lies on the Trichy-Chennai highways, adequate bus facilities are available for the devotees. Frequent town bus facilities are also available from Trichy Main Guard Gate to the temple.
Railway Station :Near By Railway Station Trichy Railway Station.
Airport :Near By Airport Trichy. rulmigu
12 Mariamman Temple - Pooja Fees
S.No Pooja Fees
1 Ushaad Kaalam Rs 400.00
2 Kaala Santhi Rs 400.00
3 Uchi Kaalam Rs 400.00
4 Saaya Ratchai Rs 400.00
5 Saaya Ratchai IInd Rs 400.00
6 Arthajaamam Rs 400.00
7 Six Kala Pooja (Per Day) Rs.2,400.00
8 Thanga Thear Rs.1,500.00
Regarding pooja katalai for Six Kalams an amount of Rs.30,000/- has to be deposited by the donor and interest amount will be taken for pooja kattali one's in a year as per donor's wish. The Donor will be honoured and the prasadams will be also given.
Abishega Kattalai - Rs. 5,000. 00
For the scheme an amount of Rs.5,000/- will have to be deposited by the Donor and interest amount will be taken for Abishegam kattalai once in a year as per donor's wish. The Donor will be honoured and the prasadams will be also given.
Golden Charriot Kattalai - Rs. 25,000. 00
For the scheme an amount of Rs.25,000/- will have to be deposited by the Donor and interest amount will be taken for Golden charriot Purappadu once in a year as per donor's wish. The Donor will be honoured and the prasadams will be also given.
Uchikala Poojai Free Prasadha Scheme. - Rs.10,000 .00
As announced by the Government of Tamil Nadu after completion of the Uchikala Pooja for every day AFTER NOON SESSION CURD BATH WILL BE GIVEN TO THE POOR PEOPLE,
Donors are invited to participate in the above scheme and denote liberally, and also get Amman's blessing for their valuable services. The amount deposited in the above scheme will be exempted from Income Tax Act 80 G.
Archanai Kattalai - Rs. 150. 00
If the Donor deposit Rs.150/- per year necessary prasadams will be sent by post after performing Archana to the lotus feet of Arulmighu Mariamman as per Donor's wish.
The Correct Address and Details may be given for the scheme.
Annathanam Kattalai - Rs. 50,000. 00
From 1997, onwards after the Uchikala Pooja in this temple, Annathanam is given daily for 200 devotees at an expenditure of Rs. 3000/-.
The amount will be collected as donation from the devotees, The devotees & Donors may invest Rs.50,000/-. and above said amount will be deposited in a bank and from the interest the Annathanam will be performed life-long. Those who are interested to join in this scheme may deposit Rs.50,000/-. by Cheque / D.D addressed to Deputy Commissioner / Executive Officer, Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Samayapuram, Trichy - 621 112. The devotees can give Annathanam on Memorial Day / Wedding Day and Birth Day, Parents Death Anniversary, The devotees can join in this scheme and get benefited.
13 Arulmigu Mariamman Temple - Annadhanam
*"The Best Donation is Food Donation one Who Gives food,gives Life."
The temple implements the Honourable Tamilnadu Cheif Minister's "Food Donation " 100 persons are provided Food Daily... *Person Willing to provide "Food donation" in their name can give it by pay Rs.2000/- per day and can get the receipt for the same. Or can pay Rs.25.000/- as fixed deposit and with its interest can provide 'food donation' during ther birthday, marriage day, etc.. *Donors can also avail 80G tax relate for all their donations tax towards the 'Food Donation Scheme'....
14 Arulmigu Mariamman Temple - Administration
Joint Commissioner / Executive Officer,
Arulmigu Maariamman Temple,
Samayapuram - 621 112,
Trichy District,
Tamilnadu,
India.
Phone No : 0431 - 2670460, 2670907, 2670557
Fax : 0431 - 2670557
E-Mail ID : samayapurammariamman@tnhrce.orgrulmigu
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